Manchester United vs Liverpool: Match Preview and Predictions

Manchester United vs Liverpool: Match Preview and Predictions

Liverpool are heading to Old Trafford this Saturday as slight favourites with many bookies or at least joint favourites in a game that could bring an extra £10million to next year’s budget. While City look like they have secured the title, there is still a close battle when it comes to the rest of the top 4. According to recent reports, the difference between 2nd and 3rd place is considerable and could cover a top player’s salary for an entire year.

In the last 5 meetings, Liverpool have not lost once, managing 1 win with the other 4 games ending in draws. Jurgen Klopp’s main attacking stars are also in better and more consistent form than anyone at Old Trafford right now. Klopp can also be trusted when it comes to his abilities to beat Mourinho’s infamous defence and based on the Reds’ recent goal output you would expect there to be some goals in this game unlike the 0-0 draw the two clubs played out earlier in the season.

Klopp’s side are not only better in 2018 but are also above United when it comes to key statistics. Liverpool average 2.31 goals per game while United averages 1.93. Shot wise, Liverpool has 100+ more shots than United, more important chances, more shots on target, more passes and better accuracy.

The only thing that is in United’s favor is directly related to goalkeeping and goals conceded. The actual defense stats are not that different except for those produced by De Gea who was mentioned by Salah in his latest interview with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher:

Everyone including the Egypt international seems certain De Gea will be scored on at least once so the Liverpool attitude is how it should be. With Salah’s stunning form and based on the 0-0 draw at Anfield in the first meeting of the season between Liverpool and Man United, you might get nice odds through a betfair promo code on another another tight contest perhaps decided by one Liverpool goal but the odds will likely be short on Salah being the scorer of that goal.

The 2 point difference separating Liverpool from United looks like it is about to be turned into a 1 point advantage for the Anfield side who deserve to be higher up in the standings based on their recent explosive defensive performances and their improved defensive displays since Virgil van Dijk signed.

In terms of the Liverpool squad, aside from Nathaniel Clyne, everyone should be available. Here is how the two teams will most likely line up on game day:

Liverpool:

Karius

Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson

Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Can

Salah, Firmino, Mane

Manchester United:

De Gea

Valencia, Smalling, Lindelof, Young

Matic, Pogba

Martial, Lingard, Alexis

Lukaku

Score Prediction:

Manchester United 1 – 3 Liverpool